'Jersey Shore' spin-off will be based in Jersey City, with mayor's blessing

Jersey City tanning salons, prepare for some extra business: "Jersey Shore" stars Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Jenni "JWoww" Farley are headed to Mercer Street to film a spin-off to the hit MTV reality show.

City officials have approved permits for 495 Productions to film the as-yet untitled spin-off in and around Jersey City. Snooki and JWoww will reside in a former firehouse on Mercer Street.

Though Twitter was abuzz with city residents vowing to boycott any business that gives the show access, Mayor Jerramiah Healy said the pending shoot will be great publicity for Jersey City.

"Any time we can show the many assets our city has such as proximity to New York, affordable mass transit, historic and cultural sites, international dining and world-class hotels we will take that opportunity to market our city," Healy said in a statement.

Movers were spotted yesterday schlepping furniture and other items in and out of the former firehouse.

City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill and Jersey City police spokesman Lt. Edgar Martinez stressed that Snooki and JWoww, whose drunken exploits were made famous in the five seasons of "Jersey Shore," would not be permitted to break any laws.

"There is no special treatment for these individuals," Martinez said.

According to the agreement between 495 Productions and the city, the film crew must hire three off-duty police officers and one off-duty supervisor. One will be stationed at the Mercer Street home at all times, while the other three will stay with the cast and crew.

Police Chief Tom Comey can revoke filming privileges at any time due to public safety concerns, according to the agreement. If on-duty cops are forced to address an incident during filming, the production company must pay for that response, Martinez said.

Residents will not have to worry about losing on-street parking because of the show, since cast and crew members will park in the Mercer Street house's driveway or in nearby pay lots, he added.

At least one public official is not happy about Snooki and JWoww descending on Hudson County.

Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop said he opposes the city administration's move to approve the film permits.

"No matter what they pay to film here, we should have pride in the city and the goal as leaders to convey to the country that Jersey City is a great place to raise a family or move a business," Fulop said in a statement. "This decision will have an image that is the opposite."

Just last week, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer denied producers the chance to film the show in the Mile Square City, saying the show could have threatened public safety and quality of life.